EP2213568A1 - Start and recovery device for a streamlined element - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerodynamic profile element has a flexible top layer (111) and a flexible bottom layer (112). The profile element is extended by a rod element which runs in a longitudinal direction of the profile element and is used for stabilizing the aerodynamic profile. A reefing line is deflected on the rod element from a reefing line section (260a,262a) that extends from a fastening point at an end in a transversal direction of the profile element of the top or bottom layer into a reefing line section extending in the longitudinal direction. An independent claim is also included for a starting and recovery device for a profile element.

Description

The invention relates to a starting and recovery device for a profile element, wherein the profile element has a longitudinally extending rod element and the starting and recovery device a mast, at the upper end of a mast head is fixed and arranged on the mast head, rotatable about a vertical axis Coupling device for coupling the front end of the profile element with the mast head comprises:

• eine obere flexible Lage, die sich in einer Querrichtung und einer Längsrichtung erstreckt,
• eine untere flexiblen Lage, die sich parallel zur oberen Lage erstreckt und mittels mehrerer sich in Tiefenrichtung des Profilelements erstreckender Stege mit der oberen Lage verbunden ist,
• einen luftgefüllten Innenraum zwischen der oberen und unteren Lage
• zumindest eine zwischen zwei parallel zueinander liegenden Vorderkanten der oberen und unteren Lage angeordnete Belüftungsöffnung zum Belüften des Innenraums,
• mehrere Zugleinen, die mit einem ersten Ende an beabstandeten Orten am Profilelement befestigt sind und mit einem zweiten Ende mit einem Zugseil verbunden sind zum Verbinden des Profilelements mit einem Wasserfahrzeug,
• mehrere an einem ersten Ende an den Lagen und/oder Stegen befestigten Reffleinen, die ausgebildet sind, um die Größe des Profilelements durch Reffen oder Entreffen der oberen und unteren Lage zu verringern bzw. zu vergrößern.

A further aspect of the invention is an aerodynamic profile element for generating energy by means of traction, in particular for driving watercraft, comprising:

• an upper flexible layer extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction,
• a lower flexible layer which extends parallel to the upper layer and is connected to the upper layer by means of several webs extending in the depth direction of the profiled element,
• an air-filled interior between the upper and lower layers
• at least one ventilation opening arranged between two mutually parallel leading edges of the upper and lower layer for aerating the interior space,
• a plurality of tethers attached to a first end at spaced locations on the tread element and connected at a second end to a tow rope for connecting the tread element to a watercraft;
• a plurality of reflow lines attached to the layers and / or webs at a first end and configured to reduce or increase the size of the profile element by reefing or reeling the top and bottom layers.

As fossil fuels become scarcer and more expensive, there is a great need for alternative energy harvesting devices from renewable energy sources, particularly, for example, as marine propulsion devices. Out WO 2006/027194 and WO 2006/027195 is a novel drive device for watercraft is known, which consists essentially of an aerodynamic profile element in the form of a kite of the type described above, which can be started and recovered by means of a take-off and recovery device of the type mentioned by the vessel.

From the international patent application PCT / EP2005 / 004186 is a setting system for such aerodynamic profile element is known, which has an azimuthally pivotable holder. Furthermore, it is off PCT / EP2005 / 004183 a positioning device for such an aerodynamic profile element is known, which comprises a winch, which allows a getting and fieren the aerodynamic profile element falls below or exceeding a predetermined tensile force in the pull rope.

Such profile elements and setting systems are used in particular as a ship propulsion system, but in principle can also be used to generate energy, for example electrical energy, by using the traction cable force for generating energy by means of a cycle of fusing and retrieving the traction cable becomes. For this purpose, the profile elements can be used stationary on land or stationary or mobile at sea.

The technologies described in the aforementioned publications provide basic approaches which are required for propulsion of a watercraft with an aerodynamic profile element, in particular a kite. A fundamental problem to be solved for an economic implementation of the propulsion concept of larger vessels with the help of bound, free-flying aerodynamic profile elements, is that the required for the provision of sufficient driving force size of the profile element assumption of the well-known from the sports control processes not or only limited possible. In particular, the takeoff and landing technique of smaller kites can not be adopted for the much larger aerodynamic profile elements needed for an economical ship propulsion. The starting process and recovery of the large aerodynamic profile elements presents a special challenge for the implementation of the drive concept.

A first problem herein is that the prevailing near-ground wind conditions make it difficult to produce a stable attitude of the profile element, since the wind ratio is often too weak and also inconsistent in terms of strength and direction. As a result, the profile element, the lower it flies, harder to control.

The invention is based on the object, the drive system so educate that a safe operation of the start and recovery process is achieved.

Another problem that occurs before the start and after salvage of the profile element, is that the profile element must be brought from a compact as possible packaging arrangement in the expanded arrangement and vice versa. This process is typically called picking and reefing.

An aerodynamic profile element of the aforementioned type typically extends essentially in a transverse direction and is in this case from the middle, starting at the ends in each transverse direction, about a longitudinal axis, which is perpendicular to the transverse direction, arched. In the direction of the longitudinal axis, the profile element typically extends by a smaller amount than in the transverse direction. Finally, the construction of the profile element from two mutually parallel layers achieves a depth extension which is perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions and is typically a fraction of the extension in the transverse and longitudinal directions. In longitudinal section, the depth extension typically changes along the length of the tread element and forms a wing cross-section with an upper negative pressure side and a lower positive pressure side, which is shaped to generate lift.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a profile element which enables efficient retrieval and retrieval from a packed state to an expanded state and vice versa.

Another problem of the profile elements with large dimensions is to specifically stabilize or destabilize the contour of the profile element. This is typically effected by filling or emptying the interior of the profile element with air, preferably air under overpressure with respect to the atmosphere. According to yet another aspect, the invention has for its object to accomplish this stabilization and destabilization of the profile element for profile elements with larger dimensions in a secure manner.

Another problem, which is related to the starting and salvaging operation, is that the control of the profile element in the ground-near area alone with the help of the hawser and corresponding control measures on the profile element itself is not reliable to accomplish. In particular, the targeted control of a coupling device in this way is hardly possible if the profile element has larger dimensions. From the aforementioned patent applications, it is known to use a guide cable for this purpose, which is connected to the profile element and can be connected during start-up or recovery operation with a start and recovery device to guide the profile element. With the help of this guide device, although the control of the profile element can be improved near the ground, but the handling the profile element by the requirement to bring the traction cable, the guide cable and additional Reffleinen parallel and temporally matched to each other or to fieren very expensive and the control of these processes error prone. According to a further aspect, the invention has for its object to simplify the control of the profile element near the bottom and in particular the pre-accession of the profile element to the ship-side coupling device.

The invention is further based on the object to increase the flight safety of the profile element, in particular with regard to other flying in the air above the powered vessel aircraft.

These and other objects are achieved with the invention. According to a first aspect of the invention, an aerodynamic profile element of the type mentioned above is provided, which is formed by a rod element extending in the longitudinal direction of the profile element for stabilizing the aerodynamic profile, wherein the rod element at the upper and / or lower layer and / or at a Ridge is fixed and on the rod element at least one of the Reffleinen be deflected from extending in the transverse direction of the profile element of the upper and lower layer of the attachment point at the first end Reffleinenabschnitt in a longitudinally extending Reffleinenabschnitt.

In this case, the reflow lines can be designed as a line which is stiff in the longitudinal direction, ie can not be stretched, or as a line which is elastic in the longitudinal direction over the entire length or in the area of individual sections.

The profile element according to the invention has a rod element which extends in the longitudinal direction and thus stabilizes the contour of the profile element in the longitudinal direction. This rod element is preferably arranged centrally in the transverse direction and also centrally in the depth direction between the upper and lower layers of the profile element. At the rod element, the reflecves are preferably deflected by means of deflection rollers. This makes it possible that at a stable fixed point within the profile element, a change in direction of the Reffleinen takes place, so that the Reffleinen in the interior or outside of the profile element can be performed in the longitudinal direction or a longitudinal transverse direction from the rod element to an attachment point on the profile element. After deflection on the rod element, the reefing lines can be guided longitudinally along the rod element and led out of the profile element, for example, at the front edge. In this way, a skilful and insensitive to unwanted entanglements and rope blockage leadership is achieved and also facilitates the operation of the Reffleinen.

According to a first further development, it is preferred that the rod element extends over only a part of the length of the layers, in particular only over a third of the length of the layers. This training allows the profile element is reefed from an expanded state with a large longitudinal extent in a pack state, which is reduced to a longitudinal extent corresponding to the length of the shortened rod member and thus allows a respect to the length significantly reduced pack size compared to a profile element with Bar element over the entire length. The training is based on the recognition that it is not necessary by the deflection of the Reffleinen the rod element and the possibility of a longitudinally oriented in the transverse direction of Reffleinen to extend the Reffleinen exactly in the longitudinal direction, but diagonal sections not the Refungs and retrieval hinder. Alternatively, in this embodiment, a course of Reffleinen done in the longitudinal direction, wherein the Reffleinen are guided in the rear region of the profile element to the center and are deflected there in a non-stabilized by the rod element area in a transverse direction. These reefing lines, when reefed, will cause an immediate shortening of the tread element in the longitudinal direction, which is often advantageous for the landing process.

Furthermore, it is preferred if at least one in the transverse direction of the upper or lower layer extending Reffleinenabschnitt at least in a portion such obliquely to the transverse direction, that takes place in train at this Reffleinenabschnitt a refraction of the layers in the transverse and longitudinal direction. Through this at least partially diagonal course of Reffleinen is with a reflec- tion achieves both longitudinal and transverse refraction, which can lead to a reduction in the number of reflec- tions and a consequent simplification of the reefing process.

It is particularly preferred to combine this embodiment with the embodiment with a shortened rod element, in particular to a third of the length shortened rod element, thereby to achieve the possible by shortening the rod element compact packaging arrangement of the profile element through the diagonally extending Reffleinenabschnitte.

The profile element according to the invention can be further developed by at least two reffleinenabschnitte attached to the profile element, which are connected to each other and reefed over a run on the Reffleinenabschnitten role at which a common Reffleinenfortführung is fixed, and made. In this way, a kind of rope scale is used in the Reffleinen. With the rope scale designed in this way, a variable Reffunginen of two attached to the profile element Reffleinen can be achieved in which is pulled on a Reffleinenforführung for Reffung and this tensile force is transmitted via the cable balance on the two Reffleinenabschnitte such that at temporary increased resistance in one of the Reffleinenabschnitte only the corresponding other Reffleinenabschnitt is obtained, so that the risk of tearing the Reffleinen can be reduced.

It is particularly preferred to provide a plurality of such cable scales, in particular, the rope scales can be provided in a cascaded arrangement, i. There are two Reffleinenfortführungen again in the manner of Reffleinenabschnitte interconnected and coupled via a cable balance to a continuation of Reffleinenfortführung u.s.w.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned or previously described profile elements are formed by providing a central reef rope, to the first end of which all second ends of the reef lines are connected, with the central reef line or the second end of the reef lines in one with respect to the transverse direction of the profile element in the axis of symmetry extending / extending direction of this axis of symmetry of the front edge of the profile element and the central reef rope is so fastened with its second end detachably between the first and second end of the central pull rope, that it can serve as a guide cable for the starting process and the recovery of the profile element.

This training makes it possible to dispense with the required according to the prior art separate guide cable. Instead, the necessary guidance near the bottom of the profile element via the central reef rope can be done. This aspect of the invention is based on the finding that when Bergen of the profile element typically up to the coupling of the profile element to the ship-side coupling device on the one hand caused by the filling of the interior of the profile element resistance to refraction, which allows the guide means of the central reef rope, without An undesired excessive Reffung takes place and on the other hand, a targeted refraction of the profile element in the recovery process is often advantageous even before coupling to the ship-side coupling device and thus, even if it takes place in guiding the profile element on the central reef rope, favorably can be accepted.

The central reef rope can be releasably coupled to the pull rope by means of a coupling device. The coupling device may be coupled to the traction cable at a fixed position, preferably the coupling device is designed such that the second end is fastened to the traction cable in such a way that it can slide along the traction cable.

The aforesaid profile element can be further developed by providing a cable clamping device in the region of the profile element, which is designed to releasably clamp the central reef line or the reef lines. By means of this cable clamping device, an inadvertent refraction or hitting the profile element can be prevented in the phase in which the profile element is guided by means of the central reef rope by blocking the reef fins or the central reef rope in the region of the profile element.

It is particularly preferred if the profile element has a longitudinally extending rod element and the cable clamping device is self-clamping at train on the central reef rope, is attached to the rod member in the region of the front edge of the profile element and is coupled with actuating means which allow opening of the cable clamping device , With this training, it is possible to control the Seilklemmung the Reffleinen or the central reef rope from the outside. Thus, for example, the cable clamping can be canceled in the coupled to the ship-side coupling device state, so that until the coupling or immediate after decoupling the clamping engages and thus accidental Entreffung / Reffung is prevented, after coupling or decoupling, however, the Reffung or Entreffung the profile element in the coupled state is possible. In particular, it can be provided that the actuating means are automatically actuated when coupled to the ship-side coupling device, so that the clamping is automatically canceled.

According to a further aspect, according to the invention, a profiled element of the type described above or above is provided, in which the interior has at least one ventilation opening and a closure device for the variable closing of the at least one ventilation opening.

This aspect of the invention is based on the finding that, in the case of profile elements with larger dimensions, the refraction is hindered, in particular, by the fact that the air arranged in the interior can not escape in the required manner. To counteract this disadvantage, but at the same time not to deteriorate the flight characteristics and the profile stability of the profile element, the variably closable vent opening is provided. In this way, the ventilation opening can be opened at the desired refraction of the profile element and in this way an accelerated discharge of the air located in the interior can be achieved, but in the air condition the vent can be kept closed, whereby the profile of the profile element is stabilized.

It is particularly preferred if the vent is designed as an elongated slot, that along at least one opening edge, preferably along two opening edges of the vent, each an elastically deformable rod element is attached to the two ends of an opening rope is attached such that at train to the rod is elastically curved in the opening cable and the vent opening is thereby opened. With this training, a specific construction is provided, on the one hand meets the requirements of the lightweight construction of the profile element and on the other hand, a reliable opening and closing of the vent opening allows. In this case, the rod element may be fastened in various ways along the longitudinal edges of the slot and, if appropriate, the rod elements may also be fastened to each other, for example the rod elements may be articulated or rigidly coupled to one another at their ends, so that an elliptical or lenticular opening is achieved if two rod elements in FIG both longitudinal edges of the slot are arranged.

In the embodiments with vent opening, it is particularly preferred if the vent opening is arranged in a region which lies in the flying state of the profile element in a negative pressure region outside the profile element, in particular in the region between the rear edges of the layers or in the upper layer. This arrangement of the vents causes a particularly rapid dissipation of the air in the interior and can thus significantly accelerate the refraction, especially for profile elements with large dimensions.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a profile element described above or above is further developed in that the area between the front edges of the upper and lower layer around the central longitudinal axis of the profile element has a plurality of ventilation openings and is closed in the outer area. It has been found that, contrary to the design of smaller scale kites, the aerodynamics and flight stability of larger sized kites can be improved by having the openings of the leading edge of the kite or profile element only a portion of them Occupy a longitudinal edge, in particular arranged around the central longitudinal axis portion, whereas other areas and in particular the majority of the front longitudinal edge is closed.

It is particularly preferred if the ventilation openings occupy 10-30%, preferably 30% of the front wind attack surface, ie the end face or wing leading edge of the aerodynamic profile element.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the ventilation openings are stopped by slats. In this case, the design of these held by slats ventilation openings, for example, based on the design of the previously described vent openings or rely on a plurality of mutually coupled rod elements, which are arranged along the opening edges of the ventilation openings.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a profile element of the type described above or above is formed by at least one, preferably a plurality of signal devices are arranged on the pull cable, preferably self-luminous signal elements. In this way it can be ensured that other aircraft do not overlook the pull rope extending from the profile element to the ship vehicle and thus increase the operational safety of the overall system. In particular, for operation at night, it is preferable to use self-luminous signal elements, i. Signal elements which are coupled to an energy source and thereby generate light.

It can be provided in particular that the signal devices alternately at a distance of about 100 meters on the pull rope fixed red and white signal elements have, preferably luminescent all-round lights.

In the event that the signaling means are self-luminous, it is preferable for the power supply to couple the signal means inductively to a current-carrying line running in the traction cable. On the one hand, this type of power supply is particularly reliable and, on the other hand, often utilizes the control processes on the profile element, in particular in one below the profile element arranged gondola anyway required transmission of electrical energy via the traction cable.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the starting and recovery device mentioned at the outset is developed by the coupling device comprising a receiving space bounded by two vertically extending side walls, in which the front end of the rod element can be received and the first horizontal rear side by a stop wall is limited, and is open to one of these opposite second horizontal front and upwards for insertion of the front end of the rod member from the side or top.

The thus provided coupling device is based on the previous view that a particularly safe start and a particularly safe recovery of the profile element is made possible in particular when the profile element is held in a fixed and defined position. Rather, this training is based on the finding that the burden on the individual components of the overall system, in particular on the rod element of the profile element can be significantly reduced if a certain mobility of the profile element is also made possible in the coupled state.

Furthermore, the so-trained start and recovery device allows to carry out the start and salvage of the profile element in a variety of attitudes and flight directions of the profile element. Due to the upward and forward open design of the receiving space, the rod element can be coupled or disconnected both from above and to the front. This is beneficial for a number of takeoff and mountain maneuvers.

The receiving space is preferably limited by side walls, which are preferably shaped in the manner of a funnel, to facilitate the recovery of the profile element and the associated introduction of the rod element in the receiving space.

According to a first advantageous embodiment, the starting and recovery device according to the invention can be developed by the coupling device comprises a horizontal axis about which the rod element can pivot in the coupled state. Through this training, a defined pivoting of the profile element, in particular of the rod element is achieved. The horizontal axis can be realized objectively as a component within the coupling device or can be realized by interaction of levers and the like as a virtual axis.

It is particularly preferred if the axis is coupled to a spring element and / or a damper element for elastic return of the coupled rod element in a desired angular orientation or for damping the pivotal movement of the rod member. It has been shown that the free mobility for a controlled take-off and recovery operation should preferably be limited on the one hand such that no large accelerations and high speeds of this pivoting are achieved and on the other hand a restoring force is applied to a desired target position. This can be achieved with the help of training with damping and elastic recovery.

The starting and recovery device according to the invention can be further developed by a locking device for locking the rod element in a vertically oriented angular position. This makes it possible, for example, after complete refraction of the profile element, to keep the angular orientation of the rod member to the mast in a fixed position and thereby prevent unwanted pivoting in a vertical plane.

In this case, the locking device may in particular comprise a horizontally movable closure element, which closes the upper opening region of the receiving space in a locking arrangement and releases in an unlocking arrangement.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the starting and recovery device can be developed by at least one cover flap is arranged on the mast head, in particular on the coupling device for covering the ventilation opening (s) of the profile element when the rod element to the Mast head is coupled. By this cover flap is prevented that when the profile element is in the region of the mast head or is coupled to the mast head, caused by the ventilation openings of the profile element dynamic pressure in the interior of the profile element further stabilizes the profile and thus complicates the refraction. It can be provided in particular that a cover flap is provided for each of the ventilation openings of the profile element, which can preferably rotate in the same way as the coupling device about a vertical axis of the mast head and optionally a horizontal axis to be arranged in each coupling state in front of the ventilation openings be.

The mast, in order not to interfere with the operation of the powered watercraft after a successful start, may be hinged around at least one axis to completely or at least partially fold down its height and reduce its height. According to a further development of the starting and recovery device, the mast is telescopically extendable or retractable as an alternative or in addition to the above-mentioned folding option. This can be achieved in a reliable manner required for profile elements to a larger extent starting height, without the other ship operating disturbing, großbemessene mast devices must be installed.

A further aspect of the invention is a drive device for a ship with a profile element and a take-off and recovery device of the type described above, in which the mast is arranged in the bow region of the ship and the pull rope is articulated at a break point in the bow region of the ship Direction approximately one third of the length of the profile element is arranged in front of the mast. It has been shown that the break point, ie the location where the pull rope is fixed to the vessel or is deflected to an attachment point, preferably in a certain ratio of one third to the length of the profile element of the mast anchor point on the vessel is arranged. It is assumed that the mast extends vertically. This spacing allows both a safe startup operation and a safe recovery operation, since neither at startup even when Bergen larger executives are transmitted to the profile element via the mast head, but holds the pull rope of the free-floating, shackled profile element substantially with appropriate acquisition of the pull rope, the profile element at a suitable distance from the mast head.

• Figur 1 eine Frontalansicht mit Skizzierung der Zugleinenführung eines erfindungsgemäßen Kites,
• Figur 2 eine Seitenansicht des Kites gemäß Figur 1,
• Figur 3 eine schematische Darstellung des Kites mit Gondel- und Reffleinenführung von schräg vorne oben,
• Figur 4 eine schematische Darstellung der Reffleinenführung,
• Figur 5 eine schematische Seitenansicht der Klemmmechanik der Führungsleine im vorderen Kitestickbereich,
• Figur 6 eine schematische Darstellung der Funktion der Klemme für die Reffleinen,
• Figuren 7a und 7b eine schematische Darstellung des Funktionsprinzips der variabel verschließbaren Entlüftungsöffnungen in einer geöffneten Stellung (a) und einer geschlossenen Stellung (b),
• Figur 8 eine Ansicht des Mastkopfes zur Kopplung des Kites an ein Wasserfahrzeug von vorne oben,
• Figur 9 eine Ansicht des Mastkopfes von unten hinten,
• Figur 10 eine schematische Darstellung des Berge- und Startvorgangs des Kites zum bzw. vom Mastkopfs,
• Figur 11 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform des Mastkopfes mit daran angepasstem Kite,
• Figur 12 eine teilgeschnittene Seitenansicht des Mastkopfes mit eingesetztem Kitekopf in Teilansicht in einer verriegelten und einer nicht-verriegelten Stellung, und
• Figuren 13a-c eine perspektivische Ansicht von schräg vorne oben der Mechanik für die Vertikal- und Horizontalverschränkung der Kopplungsvorrichtung im Mastkopf.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the attached figures. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a frontal view with sketching the tug lead of a kite according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 a side view of the kite according to FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 a schematic representation of the kite with gondola and Reffleinenführung obliquely from the top front,
• FIG. 4 a schematic representation of the Reffleinenführung,
• FIG. 5 a schematic side view of the clamping mechanism of the guide line in the front Kitestickbereich,
• FIG. 6 a schematic representation of the function of the terminal for the Reffleinen,
• FIGS. 7a and 7b a schematic representation of the principle of operation of the variably closable vents in an open position (a) and a closed position (b),
• FIG. 8 a view of the mast head for coupling the kite to a vessel from the top,
• FIG. 9 a view of the mast head from below behind,
• FIG. 10 a schematic representation of the recovery and starting process of the kite to or from the mast head,
• FIG. 11 a schematic representation of another embodiment of the mast head with adapted kite,
• FIG. 12 a partially sectioned side view of the mast head with inserted kite head in partial view in a locked and a non-locked position, and
• FIGS. 13a-c a perspective view obliquely from the top front of the mechanism for the vertical and horizontal entanglement of the coupling device in the mast head.

Referring to the Figures 1 and 2 For example, an aerodynamic profile element in the form of a kite 100 according to the invention comprises a first upper layer 111 and a second lower layer 112. In the frontal view according to FIG FIG. 1 For example, four openings 120a-d can be recognized between the front edges 111a and 112a, which ventilate the interior space between the upper and lower layers 111, 112. The openings are arranged around the horizontal longitudinal axis of the kite. In the outer region between the front longitudinal edges 111a, 112a, no openings are present.

The upper and lower layers are interconnected by means of a plurality of webs 121. The thus composed composite of upper, lower layer and webs is connected by means of several pulling lines with a nacelle 130. Here are attached to the kite a variety of traction lines that are summarized in the direction of the gondola so far to community ropes until only six individual lines are to be attached to the nacelle.

How out FIG. 2 to recognize the profile element is also connected in the longitudinal direction by means of several pull lines with the nacelle, which are summarized in the same way as far as previously for the distributed in the transverse direction pulling lines according to FIG. 1 has been described.

A rigid rod member in the form of a kit stick 150 is secured along the central longitudinal axis of the kite between the top and bottom sheets 111, 112. The kit stick 150 extends about one third of the total length of the kite. At the Kitestick 150 is guided a guide line 142, whose function will be described in more detail below.

The nacelle 130 is connected to a traction cable 143, which connects the nacelle and thus the profile element with a watercraft, which is to be driven by means of the kite 110. The guide line 142 is displaceably guided by means of a releasable sliding ring 144 on the pull cable 143.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show schematically the arrangement and the course of Reffleinen for reefing and hitting the kite. A schematically illustrated kite 210 is connected by means of a plurality of pulling lines 240 to a gondola 230, which can transmit the pulling force of the kite via a central traction cable 243 to a watercraft.

Within the kite run several Reffleinen, each having a transverse in the direction of the kite extending portion 260a, b. This Reffleinenabschnitt 260a, b is attached to an outer attachment point 261a, b at the outer edge of the kite. Each reefing portion 260a, b is deflected into a longitudinally extending reefing portion 262a, b by means of a diverting pulley 251a, b attached to a kit stick 250 fixed along the central longitudinal axis of the kite. These longitudinally extending reef line sections 262a, b extend to a kite head 252 attached to the forward end of the kit stick.

All reef line sections 262a, b are connected outside the kite to a central reef line 263 in this embodiment. The central reefing cable 263 also represents the guide cable in the illustrated embodiment and is guided on the traction cable 243 with the aid of a detachable ring element 244.

Like from the FIGS. 3 and 4 As can be seen, the reef line sections 260a, b do not necessarily extend exactly in the longitudinal direction of the kite 210, but may also extend in a longitudinal transverse direction. For example, the reflow 260a is deflected at the rear end of the kite stick 250 and is attached to the kite 210 at the rear corner by means of the attachment point 261a. However, because the kite stick 250 does not extend the full length of the kite 210, but in the illustrated embodiment occupies only about two thirds of this length, the Reffleinenabschnitt 260a extends obliquely from the inside to the outside behind. Thus, with the help of the reefing portion 260a, longitudinal refining and, in addition, a refining proportion in the transverse direction can be achieved when this reefing yarn 260a is caught up.

FIG. 5 shows a clamping device in the area of a kite head. As can be seen, in the illustrated Reffseil- and Reffleinenstellung not the Reffleinen, but the Reff- and guide rope through the kite head out, contrary to the pictures in FIGS. 3 and 4 ,

The tug 263 is guided in the region of the kite head by a clamping device 270, which is attached to the kite stick 250. Clamping device 270 is designed to clamp both tug lines 263 and reefing lines 262a, b, depending on how far kite 210 is reefed, and thus the position of reefing line 263 and reefing lines 262a, b to the terminal is.

The clamp 270 includes a tension spring 271 which holds the clamp in a clamped state. That is, in the normal flight condition, the clamp is closed and thus withdrawal of the reef / guide rope 263 from the kite head is not possible. In this way, in the normal flight condition, the guide / guide cable 263 can be used to guide the kite without causing undesirable kite killing.

The clamp can be opened by manual or automatic actuation of a lever 272. As explained in detail below, this lever can be actuated automatically, in particular, when the kite head is coupled to a mast head on the vessel.

Upon actuation of the lever 272, the clamp 270 is released and the guide / guide cable 263 can be pulled out of the kite head. In this way, the reflow lines 262a, b can be pulled out of the kite through the clamp and the kite reefed in this way. Once the refraction is complete, the lever 272 can be released again and the Reffzustand be fixed in this way by clamping.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the clamping device for the Reffleinen or the reff / guide rope.

The clamping device according to FIG. 8 comprises a fixed mating surface 373 which is provided with a plurality of ribs 374 which increase the friction to the reflec- tors or to the guide / guide cable 362a, b, 363, respectively.

Opposite to the fixed counter surface 373, a pivotable clamping body 375 is arranged, which is pivotally mounted in a rotary joint 376. The clamping body 375 is pressed into the clamping position by means of a compression spring 371 and likewise has a multiplicity of ribs 377 on the clamping surface facing the guide / guide cable or the reflec- tors, which increase the friction.

Adjacent to the articulation point of the compression spring 371 on the clamping lever 375 a Klemmlösungsleine 378 is attached to the clamp body. The clamp release line 378 is deflected and led out of the kite head parallel to the reflow lines 363a, b. By pulling on the clamping solution line 378, the clamp body 375 can be pivoted out of the clamping position and consequently the refleel lines 362a, b released to perform the refining. This embodiment has the advantage that a cancellation of the clamping effect is also possible by remote control, for example, when a refraction is desired and the kite head is not coupled to a mast head.

The FIGS. 7a and 7b show schematically a vent 80a, b for venting the interior of the kite, which can be variably opened and closed.

How good FIG. 7b can be seen, the vent opening is designed as a longitudinal slot and has two mutually parallel longitudinal edges 81, 82. In the longitudinal edges 81, 82 flexible slats are used. The slats are firmly connected at three points 83a-c.

Parallel to the slats extends between the fixed point 83a and the fixed point 83b an opening line with a first opening line portion 84a, which is deflected by a guide roller 85 by 90 ° and is guided to a guide roller 86.

At the deflection roller 86, the first opening line section 84a is deflected by 180 °, so that it runs back to the deflection roller 85a. The returning line section is part of a second opening line section 82b, which in turn is deflected by 90 ° on the deflection roller 85 and then extends between the fixed points 83b and 83c.

The first opening line portion 84a is fixed in the fixed point 83a, and the second opening line portion 84b is fixed in the fixed point 83c, so that the first and second opening line portions 84a, b together represent a line connection between the fixed point 83a and the fixed point 83c, which is deflected at the deflection rollers 85, 86.

The second deflection roller 86 is connected to a Öffnungszugseil 87. In Figure 9b, this Öffnungszugseil 87 is not tensioned. If the Öffnungszugseil 87 tensioned, as in Figure 7a indicated by an arrow on the opening pull rope, the opening line sections 84a, b are also tensioned and consequently the fixed points 83a, c are pulled in the direction of the fixed point 83b. The slats 81, 82 are thereby deformed and form an eight-shaped opening 80a, b, through which the air located in the interior of the kite can flow.

The FIGS. 8 and 9 show a coupling device that can be mounted in the region of a mast head to the top of a mast mounted on a watercraft. The mast, mast head and coupling device serve to allow the kite to start and recover. After the start, the Zugseilkraft the kite is transmitted via a distance from the pole arranged Holepunkt and the mast is during normal driving without function, so that it can be, for example, telescopically constructed and then retracted.

FIG. 8 shows the coupling device from the top front. As can be appreciated, the coupling device 90 includes a housing having sidewalls 91 a, b, which laterally delimit a receiving space. The recording room is open to the top and to the front. To the rear of the receiving space 92 is limited by a stop wall 93. The side walls 91a, b converge from top to bottom so that a funnel shape is formed in this direction. Furthermore, the side walls 91a, b are rounded at the front and top edges. Both this rounding and the tapered arrangement of the side walls 91 a, b facilitates the insertion of a kite head into the receiving space 92.

In the rear area behind the stop wall 93, the horizontal and Vertikalverschwenkungsmechanik the coupling device is arranged. This will be described in detail below.

Above the horizontal and Vertikalverschwenkungsmechanik a locking plate 94 is arranged, which is guided in guide rails 95a, b, which extend horizontally along the side walls 91 a, b. The locking plate 94 may be formed along the guide rails 95a, b of FIG FIG. 10 shown locked position in a locked position in which it closes the receiving space 92 from above and thus locks a kite head arranged in the receiving space.

At the bottom of the receiving space in front of the stop wall 93, an opening 96 is arranged, which extends downwards through the coupling device and is arranged so that it directs a guide cable or a guide / guide cable on a guide roller 97, in particular from FIG. 11 can be seen. With the aid of the guide rope threaded through the opening 96, a kite head can be directed into the receiving space 92.

FIG. 10 FIG. 12 schematically illustrates docking and launching of a kite 410 to a coupling device 490 disposed on a telescoping mast 500.

As indicated by the double arrow A, the kite 410 approaches with a kite head 492 at the forward end in strong wind in the horizontal direction of the coupling device 490. The kite head 452 in this case enters from the front a receiving space 492 a. This movement is guided and supported by a guide cable 463. The guide cable 463 is detachably attached to the pull cable 443 in normal flight operation and is removed after the pulling cable has been pulled by the pull cable 443, guided through the opening 496 in the coupling device and can then pull the kite head 452 into the receiving space 492.

The double arrow marked B indicates the direction in which the kite head 452 is recovered in low wind conditions. In this case, it is necessary to insert the kite head 452 in the receiving space 492 in a direction obliquely from the top front.

The double arrow marked C indicates the direction in which the kite head 452 is typically started. The starting process preferably takes place upwards for the sake of control, i. in a vertical direction of movement.

FIG. 12 12 shows a cross-sectional side view of coupling device 590 with kite head 552 coupled in. Kite head 552 includes a front section 552a and an elongate rear section 552b. The elongate rear portion 552b is retracted at the bottom opposite the front portion 552a, so that a step is formed between the front and rear portions 552a, b.

The lower receiving surface of the receiving space 592 is provided at the front end with a projection 598, which is formed congruent to the step on the kite head 552.

By this design of the receiving space and kite head of the kite head can first enter in a horizontal direction of movement in the receiving space and move to stop against the stop wall 593 vertically downward.

A locking plate 594 is shown in Figure 14 in two positions. Position 594a represents the unlatched position in which the kite head 552 can be moved in and out of the receiving space 592. By moving the lock plate 594 forward, the lock position 594b becomes reached. In this position, the locking plate 594 is located above the kite head 552, thus preventing the kite head from moving upwardly. By the stop on the projection 598 with the front kite head portion 552a, the kite head is thus locked in the coupling device.

FIG. 11 schematically shows a kite 610 with two arranged around the central longitudinal axis ventilation openings 620a, b. The ventilation openings are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the kite to the left and right of a kite stick (not shown).

Furthermore, in FIG. 11 a coupling device 690 shown. The coupling device comprises two cover plates 699a, b attached to the coupling device such that, when the kite 610 is coupled to the coupling device 690, they cover the ventilation openings 620a, b. In this way, further ventilation of the interior of the kite 610 is avoided, thus facilitating the refolding of the kite 610.

An actuating lever is arranged in the region of the kite head and coupled with a clamping device for the Reffleinen or the reff / guide cable. The actuating lever 672 is pivoted when abutted against the mast head by abutting the mast head and releases the clamping of the clamping device.

The FIGS. 13a-c show the mechanical connection device of the coupling device according to the FIGS. 10, 11 on a mast. A plate 700 and a plate 701, which is arranged perpendicular to the plate 700, are rigidly attached to the mast.

On the plates, a rotation axis 702 is rotatably mounted, which is connected to cantilever arms 704, 705. On the cantilever arms 704, 705 a guide roller 797 is rotatably mounted, which serves for the deflection of the guide cable when guiding the kite head into or out of the receiving space.

The rotational movement about the axis of rotation 702 is achieved by means of a damper element 706, which is fastened with one end to the plate 700 and with the other End attached to a boom arm 707, which in turn is attached to the boom 704 attached.

The rotation axis 702 thus enables a pivoting of the coupling device about a vertical axis.

At the front end of the boom arms 704, 705, a pivoting device is arranged, which allows a small pivoting of two boom arms 708, 709 about a horizontal axis. This passive pivotability about a horizontal axis allows the kite in the coupled state a certain mobility and thus serves to relieve the kite stick in case of force on the kite, which can be caused for example by gusts of wind or ship movements. In addition, the kite can be lowered by pivoting about this axis.

Claims (15)

Starting and recovery device for an aerodynamic profile element for generating energy by means of traction, in particular for driving watercraft, the profiled element comprising: a flexible layer (111) extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction and a longitudinally extending rod element, the start and recovery device comprising: - a mast (500), at the upper end of a mast head is attached, a coupling device (90) arranged on the mast head and rotatable about a vertical axis for coupling the front end of the rod element to the mast head, characterized in that the coupling device comprises a receiving space (92) delimited by two vertically extending side walls (91a, b), in which the front end (552) of the rod element can be received and which can be taken to a first horizontal side by a stop wall ( 93) is limited, and is open to one of these opposite second horizontal side and upwards for insertion of the front end of the rod member from the side or top. Starting and recovery device according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that the coupling device comprises a vertical axis (702) about which the rod element can pivot in the coupled state. Starting and recovery device according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that the axis with a spring element and / or a damper element (706) is coupled to the elastic return of the coupled rod member in a desired angular orientation or for damping the pivotal movement of the rod member. Starting and recovery device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a locking device (94) for locking the rod element in a horizontally oriented angular position. Starting and recovery device according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that the locking device comprises a horizontally movable closure element (94), which closes the upper opening region of the receiving space in a locking arrangement and releases in an unlocking arrangement. Starting and recovery device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that on the mast head, in particular on the coupling device at least one cover flap (699a, b) is arranged to cover the ventilation opening of the profile element when the rod element is coupled to the mast head. Starting and recovery device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the mast telescopically extendable and retractable and / or at least one axis is hinged. Starting and recovery device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the profile element an upper flexible layer (111) extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction, a lower flexible layer (112) which extends parallel to the upper layer and is connected to the upper layer by means of a plurality of webs (121) extending in the depth direction of the profile element, an air-filled interior between the upper and lower layers, at least one ventilation opening (120a-d) arranged between two mutually parallel leading edges of the upper and lower layer for aerating the interior space, a plurality of traction lines (140a-f) fixed at a first end to the profiled element at spaced locations and connected at a second end to a traction cable (143) for connecting the profiled element to a watercraft, a plurality of reflow lines (260a, 262a) attached to the layers and / or webs at a first end and configured to reduce or enlarge the size of the profile element by reefing or hitting the top and bottom layers,
having. Starting and recovery device according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that the rod element is attached to the upper and / or lower layer and / or on a web and on the rod element at least one of the Reffleinen extending from a transversely of the profile element of the upper and lower layer of the attachment point at the first end Reffleinenabschnitt (260a) are deflected in a longitudinally extending Reffleinenabschnitt (262a), and / or that the rod member (150) extends over only a portion of the length of the layers, in particular only over one third of the length of the layers. Starting and recovery device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a central reefing line (263) having its first end connected to all second ends of the reefing lines (262a, b), characterized in that the central reefing rope or the second end of the reefing lines are in one with respect to the transverse direction of the tread element extending in the axis of symmetry extending in the direction of this axis of symmetry from the front edge of the profile element / the central reef rope so releasably (244) with its second end between the first and second end of the central pull rope (243) is fixed, that the central reef as Guide rope can serve for the starting process and the recovery of the profile element. Starting and recovery device according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that the second end of the central reef rope is releasably and preferably displaceably connected to the pull rope by means of a coupling device. Starting and recovery device according to the preceding claim 10 or 11,
characterized by a cable clamping device (270) in the region of the profile element, which is designed to releasably clamp the central reef rope or the reef lines. Starting and recovery device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that at least one, preferably a plurality of signal devices are arranged on the pull cable, preferably self-luminous signal elements. Starting and recovery device according to the preceding claim,
characterized in that the signal devices alternately at a distance of about 100 meters on the pull rope fixed red and white signal elements comprises, preferably self-luminous all-round lights, and / or that the signal means preferably self-luminous and / or inductively coupled to the power supply to a running in the pull cable, current-carrying line are. Drive device for a ship vehicle, comprising a profile element and a take-off and recovery device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the mast is arranged in the bow region of the ship and the pull rope is articulated at a break point in the bow region of the ship, which is arranged in the direction of travel about one third of the length of the profile element in front of the mast.

Images